HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The Hawai‘i State Senate today recognized President John Yukio Gotanda, who is the fifth President of Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) on the floor of the Senate chamber. Gotanda was born and raised in Honolulu and is a graduate of Roosevelt High School. He attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the William S. Richardson School of Law. Gotanda worked as a staff attorney with the United States Court of Appeals in District Columbia before joining the faculty at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in Philadelphia. While there, he served as Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Faculty Research, Director of the J.D./M.B.A. Program, and Dean of the Law School. Gotanda is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in international law, and is widely cited by international and national organizations, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He also shares his knowledge worldwide as a guest speaker including at The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands. Gotanda brings his vast experience and professionalism home to Hawai‘i and HPU, where he intends on achieving the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution of higher education. # # # #JohnKotanda #HPU #HawaiiPacificUniversity #RonKouchi #JillTokuda #RozBaker #ClarenceNishihara #LauraThielen #BrianTaniguchi #KaiKahele #JoshGreen #Glennwakai #WilliamEspero #LesIhara #Jr #LorraineInouye #StanleyChang #GilRiviere #JKALANIENGLISH #DonnaMercadoKim #BreeneHarimoto #RussellRuderman #MikeGabbard #BrickwoodGaluteria #MaileShimabukuro #MichelleKidani

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today voted to pass SB1183 SD2 which addresses the surcharge on the state general excise tax. The proposed amendment repeals the requirement that 10 percent of revenues from the county surcharge on state tax be withheld to reimburse the State for administrative costs. The surcharge sunsets if an ordinance that allows the capitol costs of a rapid transportation system to be paid from county funds is not enacted before December 31, 2017. It requires the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu to submit certain operation and maintenance plans with respect to the rapid transportation system. “On such an important measure as this issue, it’s vital we keep the discussion moving on this bill,” said WAM Chair Senator Jill Tokuda (Dist. 24 - Kane‘ohe, Kane‘ohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, Āhuimanu). “By repealing the skim, the State is proposing to sacrifice $30 million annually to support this project in order to avoid extending the GET and avoid adding the burden it places on the most vulnerable in our community. As was pointed out during the hearing, there are ways to leverage existing City resources without raising taxes or fees to help pay for the construction of rail. As we are looking to make sacrifices, so too should the City.” The bill now goes before the full Senate for a vote. # # # #sb1183 #waysandmeanss #JillTokuda

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – One of Hawaii’s most recognized artists now can add the Honolulu International Airport on his long list of public spaces where his work is displayed across the state. World renowned artist Satoru Abe, now in his 90’s, is best known for his metal and wood sculptures which reflect themes from nature. His more than 8,000 art pieces are displayed throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the globe, including The Honolulu Museum of Art, Hawai‘i State Art Museum, and Tokyo Central Museum. Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi was on hand for the dedication ceremony of Abe’s metal sculpture named “Sunburst” which now graces the walls of Honolulu International Airport, along with 40 laser engraved wood etched paintings which tell his story in collaboration with his grandson Donovan Goto. Senator Kouchi, a long-time fan of Abe’s work, has six of his pieces in his office as part of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Art in Public Places Program. “Mr. Abe has said that every day is a new adventure, that working on his art is a joy that motivates him, that he hopes to continue on for a few more years and that he hopes, by that time, he will be satisfied,” said Senator Kouchi. “In viewing the piece dedicated today, it is my hope that Mr. Abe will not be satisfied for many more years to come.” Ross Higashi, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Airports Division Deputy Director, praised Abe’s passion and talent and remarked that the “artwork compliments the modernization and improvements here at the Honolulu International Airport.” Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Abe has won numerous awards for his artwork. Selected for the “New Talent” exhibition by Art in America, awarded a “John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship,” “Alfred Preis Award for Excellence in the Arts National Endowment for the Arts” grant, and named as a “Living Treasure of Hawai‘i” by the Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin. Abe attended McKinley High School in Honolulu and studied at the California Academy of Fine Arts and The Arts Students League in New York. # # # #ronkouchi #HonoluluAirport #RossHigashi

Members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor (JDL) today voted to recommend Catherine H. Remigio, Todd W. Eddins, and Keith K. Hiraoka to the First Circuit Court O’ahu. The three were appointed by Governor Ige from a list of nominees provided by the Judicial Selection Commission. Family Court Judge Catherine H. Remigio, 51, is appointed to the First Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the August 2016 retirement of former Circuit Court Judge Steven S. Alm. Attorney Todd W. Eddins, 52, is appointed to the First Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Court Judge Richard K. Perkins in June 2016. Keith Hiraoka, 58, attorney at Roeca Luria Hiraoka LLP, is appointed to the First Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Judge Karen S. S. Ahn. Ahn retired in June 2016. All three nominees now go before the full Senate for confirmation. # # # #KarlRhoads #GilbertKeithAgaran #Judiciary

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The Senate today honored Debs ”Auntie Debs” Dudoit for the work she does in the community alongside her husband, Mitch, and close group of friends. Auntie Debs is the co-founder of My Father’s House, Hawai‘i, a nonprofit ministry whose vision is to heal hearts and restore lives. She is heavily involved as a volunteer with the U.S. Veterans Transitional Home in Kalaeloa/Barbers Point. After helping a friends’ son get into the housing 10 years ago, her love for the veterans has grown into annual holiday celebrations, as well as multiple visits to the home each year to listen to stories and uplift spirits. Auntie Deb, her friends and family, recently celebrated their 10th Annual Christmas event in December at the Transitional Home, with over 70 veterans in attendance for a celebration that included live music and hula. Auntie Deb says she does it from her heart and she loves seeing the smiles on their faces. The Senate congratulated Auntie Debs, and her family and friends, for their selfless acts of aloha and for making a difference in the lives of so many. # # #

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – A bipartisan group of State Senators and House Representatives along with pilots and aviation enthusiasts today gathered at the State Capitol for the first meeting of the newly formed Hawai‘i Aviation Caucus. The Hawai‘i Aviation Caucus was established to foster and promote all forms of aviation, to support legislation that creates jobs, improves transportation between the islands and beyond, and bolsters the aviation business climate in Hawai‘i. “Aviation is vital to our state’s economy and welfare, so it’s only in our best interest that we work together to ensure that we have a thriving aviation industry here in Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Kai Kahele, who co-convenes the Caucus with Rep. Angus McKelvey. “This is just the start of a continuous working group that I hope will further engage those who support aviation and want to see it prosper.” Hawai‘i has a robust aviation history dating back to its first flight in 1910. Since then, Hawai‘i has played a vital role in the development of both commercial and military air travel. Today, with fifteen public use airports in Hawai‘i, the aviation industry produces over 4,100 jobs and $742 million in economic output. ### #Aviation #RonKouchi #KaiKahele #JKALANIENGLISH #StanleyChang

Hāna Highway will be getting much needed improvements that will increase safety and accessibility with $5.8 million in capital improvement project funding released this week by the Governor. The CIP funding for Hāna Highway was included in the 2015-2016 biennium state budget at the request of Senator J. Kalani English (Dist. 7 - Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe). The bulk of the funding will be used for rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization of the roadway, which is the only paved all-weather road to the Hāna and Keanae communities. This funding continues the second phase of the project to improve the 32-mile length of highway from Huelo to Hāna that included renovating existing drainage facilities to decrease maintenance costs and provide a safer roadway. “I’m pleased that the funds we worked hard to secure are being released to complete the work on this critically important roadway,” said Sen. English. “The recent storms that caused rockslides, hastened erosion and caused the highway to be closed numerous times highlights the importance of this project. We’ll continue to collaborate with the state Department of Transportation to ensure a permanent, safe fix to Hāna Highway.” # # # #JKALANIENGLISH #hana #maui #SenatorEnglish

The Hawai‘i State Senate today recognized two outstanding librarians for their service to Hawai‘i’s public libraries on the floor of the Senate Chamber. For the past 20 years, the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i has recognized librarians that provide exceptional service to Hawai‘i’s public libraries, while also embodying the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm and excellence in providing library services to the community. Vicky Bowie is the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i’s 2016 Librarian of the Year. Bowie began as a librarian at the McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili Public Library in 2005, before moving to the Ewa Beach Public and School Library. She later became the Children’s Librarian at the Pearl City Public Library and was promoted to branch Manager in 2011. Under her supervision, the Pearl City Public Library expanded its reach in the community by providing numerous programs serving Keiki to Kūpuna. Bowie also coordinated general updates and renovations to the interior and exterior of the library—which has encompassed everything from reroofing the facility, to renovating and reopening the library’s meeting room. Carleen Corpuz is the recipient of the 2016 Excellence in Service Award given by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. She began her career at the Hilo Public Library as a Library Assistant in 1980, before becoming the Branch Manager and Librarian at Mountain View Public and School Library. “Mountain View is one of the most economically challenged areas in our State. Services such as our Public Library are especially needed and appreciated,” said Senator Breene Harimoto, in his remarks honoring Corpuz. # # # #FriendsoftheLibrary #CarleenCorpuz #VickyBowie #SenateRecognitions #DonovanDelaCruz #ClarenceNishihara #MikeGabbard #MichelleKidani #MaileShimabukuro #GlennWakai #RussellRuderman #LesIhara #GilRiviere #WilliamEspero #KaiKahele #DonnaMercadoKim #KarlRhoads #RozBaker #StanleyChang #BreeneHarimoto #GilbertKeithAgaran #RonKouchi #LorraineInouye #JKALANIENGLISH #JoshGreen #BrianTaniguchi #BrickwoodGaluteria #LauraThielen #JillTokuda

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Two Hawai‘i State Senators have been selected to serve in leadership roles for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), the nation’s oldest non-partisan organization addressing the needs of elected women at the city, county, and state levels of government. Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Dist. 14 - Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea) was recently appointed to serve on the 2017 Policy Committee for the NFWL. As a member of the Policy Committee, Sen. Kim will contribute to all committee business by developing education policy programs on policy issues, engaging with policy partners, and recommending which areas of policy the Foundation shall focus on. The Committee will focus on shared legislation by encouraging elected women to exchange legislative ideas. This is a new emphasis for NFWL and the Policy Committee will play an integral role in the launch and maintenance of shared legislation. “It’s an honor to be asked to serve on the Policy Committee,” said Sen. Kim, who has been a member of NFWL since 2015. “This year more than ever, there are timely, pressing issues facing our communities. Hawai‘i is not alone in many of these problem areas such as homelessness, the economy, and education. Being on this Committee allows me to collaborate with other women legislators across the country and find creative solutions.” Senator Lorraine Inouye (Dist. 4 - Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona) was recently appointed to serve as the 2017 State Director for the NFWL. “I’m proud to serve as the State Director for this distinguished organization,” said Sen. Inouye. “The greatest rising force in politics is not a political party, but women. I know that there is much that can be accomplished to help our state and our country by working together as elected women.” “We are so honored Senators Kim and Inouye have accepted leadership positions in our foundation,” shared Minnesota State Senator Carrie Ruud, NFWL’s 2017 Chair. “They will play a crucial role in the continued success of NFWL, as we embark on our most exciting year yet.” Sens. Kim and Inouye begin serving in their new positions immediately, and will hold this office through the end of 2017. About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL) Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org # # # #DonnaKim #LorraineInouye

SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES MEDICAL AID IN DYING BILL HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – In the hearing today by the Senate Committee on Commerce Consumer Protection (CPH), SB1129 SD1 was passed with amendments that would establish a medical aid in dying act under which a terminally ill adult resident may obtain a prescription for medication to end the patient’s life. SB1129 SD1 is modeled on the Oregon statute and includes safeguards to protect patients from misuse. These safeguards include confirmation by two providers (physicians and APRN’s) of the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, mental competence, and voluntariness of the request; multiple requests by the patient: an oral request followed by a signed written request that is witnessed by two people, one of whom must be unrelated to the patient, and a subsequent oral restatement of the request; and two waiting periods between the requests and the writing of the prescription. At all times the patient retains the right to rescind the request and is under no obligation to fill the prescription or ingest the medication. Amendments include authorizing APRN as a consulting provider and allowing state identification cards as an acceptable document to prove residency in the State of Hawai‘i. More than 300 people had signed up to testify on the bill, many which were emotional and thought-provoking both in support and in opposition of the measure. “This measure is simply one that gives people a choice in end of life care,” said CPH Chair Sen. Rosalyn Baker (Dist. 6 - South and West Maui), “We have wonderful laws on the books with regards to palliative care and setting out their wishes for treatment, resuscitation and the like in an advance healthcare directive. But I think people want that ultimate choice if they have a debilitating, terminal illness and would like to have some control over their last days of life. This is what SB1129 allows them to do.” SB1129 SD1 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor (JDL). # # #

HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – SB591 which would allow the issuance of general obligation bonds for the construction and infrastructure development for affordable housing units is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 2:55 p.m. in conference room 225 with the joint Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy (TRE) and Housing (HOU). The bill proposes providing funding resources to state housing agencies and the developers and non-profits that they work with to address the shortage of affordable housing across the state. It also provides a financial mechanism to build affordable rental units as well as temporary transitional housing or homeless shelters. “We need housing for our working class families and our residents who are low income,” said HOU Chair, Sen. Will Espero (Dist. 19 - ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages), who authored the bill. “We need to take care of their needs and this bill will allow them a chance to afford a place to live, sooner rather than later.” To view all bills in the 2017 Legislative Session and the hearing schedule, visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov. # # #

The Hawai 'i State Senate is honored to formally recognize Lieutenant General (Retired) Daniel P. Leaf for his service as the Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). Director Leaf is also distinguished for his contributions to enhance security cooperation among government and non-government professionals during a critical period of national rebalance to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. During his tenure as the Director, he brilliantly led the DKI APCSS through an unprecedented expansion in the influence of the Center in Indo-Asia-Pacific security. Acting in support of the Office of Secretary of Defense and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) strategic objectives, he elevated DKI APCSS to become the premier institution for development of new ideas and relationships affecting regional security. Under his direction, DKI APCSS became the forum of choice for focused strategic communications via unique education, capacity building workshops, and policy relevant research. His tremendous leadership, innovation and unbridled energy has been responsible for the Center's position in the forefront of responsive regional engagement. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leaf became the Director for DKI APCSS in January 2012. Prior to APCSS, he worked in the defense industry as vice president of full spectrum initiatives at Northrop Grumman Information Systems. Formerly the Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), he retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2008 after more than 33 years of service. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leaf was a command pilot with more than 3,600 flight hours, including F-15 and F-16 combat missions Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leaf holds a master's degree in military art and science from the Command and General Staff College. He also earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison The Senate of the Twenty-Ninth Legislature of the State of Hawai 'i hereby recognizes Lieutenant General (Retired) Daniel P. Leaf for his dedication to furthering positive relationships between nations and expresses its appreciation and aloha for his service to the people of the State of Hawai 'i. #DanielLeaf #HawaiiSenate